![](https://www.sardinesmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/3282_1533854854.jpg)
Show: Starting Now: Youth Showcase 2018
Society: Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Venue: Dancebase
Credits: Lothian Youth Dance Company, Mini Jackers, TIM Company and Guests
Type: Sardines
Author: Chris Abbott
Performance Date: 08/08/2018
Starting Now: Youth Showcase 2018
Chris Abbott | 09 Aug 2018 09:52am
One of the delights of the Fringe this year is the continuing presence of Dancebase in the Grassmarket and the many groups it hosts. This year it even brought full-length classical ballet to the Fringe and in a venue far smaller from those in which the form is usually seen. The opportunity to sample dance from many cultures is also valued, but for 5 days audiences also had the opportunity to see some of the best of current youth dance around Scotland in a showcase called Starting Now.
Four different companies from around Scotland made up a varied and entertaining programme. First up was T.I.M. Company from the Dundee area. This group of young women were as confident in their delivery of sometimes challenging text as they were when moving in unison or individually. A clear thread in the piece was consent and the right to withhold it, expressed in dance and through text. Movement built and then diminished, with some impressive lifts as well as some lyrical moments. The unamplified but well-projected voices of the dancers were particularly effective.
Next up was Mini Jackers, young men and women trained by Ashley Jack at her classes in the Edinburgh area. There was impressive attention to detail here, with clever use of face paint as well as carefully chosen unisex costuming. Perhaps most impressive of all, and a particular highlight of the whole performance, was the impressive discipline and concentration of this group. They not only moved as one when they needed to, they seemed to be breathing in unison also. At times the group split into smaller sections, allowing different members to lead sections, a very educative approach for the dancers as well as providing variety for the audience.
Fusion Youth Dance Company from Aberdeen showed the power of a dance piece that builds from a simple flowing movement to powerful and dynamic interchanges before returning to the ebb and flow that perhaps symbolised group pressures on young people. Kudos also to the single male member of this group, and it would be good to see more male dancers in some of these groups in the future.
Finally, Lothian Youth Dance Company, resident at Dancebase, danced a flowing, lyrical piece to symphonic music in colourful if short dresses. The professionalism of these dancers was on show when a sudden unintended fire alarm caused not a single move to be missed.
This Youth Dance Showcase was a highlight of the Fringe and is testament to the enterprising and talented dance teachers to be found around Scotland – and of course the young dancers themselves and the parents who get them to their classes, no doubt.
- : admin
- : 08/08/2018